Kotagede isn’t just another neighborhood to us—it’s where our stories began. This old part of southeast Yogyakarta has been here for centuries, standing quietly as a witness to the rise of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom in the 16th century. Every corner still holds the feeling of the past. The walls, the houses, even the air feels different here. We’ve grown up walking these streets, and that’s why we love taking visitors on foot—to let them feel the same warmth and history we do every day.
We usually start our walk at Masjid Agung Kotagede, the Great Mosque built by Sultan Agung. This mosque is more than just a place to pray—it’s a symbol of how our ancestors lived side by side in peace. You can see it in the building itself, where Javanese, Hindu-Buddhist, and Islamic styles blend so beautifully. From there, we head to the Tomb of the Mataram Kings, where Panembahan Senopati and the royal family rest. The atmosphere here is calm and sacred. Out of respect, everyone who visits wears a jarik cloth, just like we locals do during ceremonies.
After that, we’ll guide you through Kampung Alun-Alun, a place we know like the back of our hands. The narrow paths are lined with old Javanese houses. The walls here seem to hold old whispers, and the breeze carries stories from long ago. Before we finish, we always stop at Pasar Legi Kotagede, our neighborhood market. This is where you can smell the spices, taste fresh snacks, and watch people go about their morning routines. It’s lively, warm, and real—just like the Kotagede we’ve known all our lives